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Beale stood down, but denies alcohol issue

Wayward Wallabies star Kurtley Beale has been stood down indefinitely and is seeking counselling but still appears at odds with his Super Rugby club Melbourne after denying having a problem with alcohol.

Beale has been barred from rugby for the foreseeable future after punching two of his Rebels teammates, skipper Gareth Delve and Cooper Vuna, on the team bus following a heavy loss to the Sharks in Durban last Sunday (AEDT).

The incident was understood to be alcohol-related and follows a string of other incidents involving the talented but troubled Australian pivot.

While accepting his punishment after a day of meetings with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU), Rebels management and the players' association, Beale issued a statement to Fox Sports' Rugby HQ program saying drinking was not a major issue for him.

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"I really don't think I have an alcohol problem but sometimes alcohol doesn't agree with me," he said.

"In a controlled environment - at a barbecue or at a restaurant - I'm fine but, at other times, I make bad choices.

"I had no intent to hit Cooper or Gareth. It was very stupid and disrespectful. I asked for time and space to calm down and wasn't able to get it.

"I'm working hard to fix the problems. I'm not perfect and I know I have got issues and I have to deal with it and fix those issues. It is an ongoing battle for me."

According to the Rebels, it's a battle clearly linked to the bottle with former teammate and current Melbourne media manager Adam Freier opening up about Beale's situation earlier in the day.

Asked on Sky Sports Radio what the problem was, Freier replied: "It has to be alcohol, that is the big issue.

"I'm not saying he's Robinson Crusoe, there's a lot of people with the same issue in sport, but we need to address it properly."

Freier later said Beale's statement had not been endorsed by the club.

On Thursday night, the ARU issued a statement explaining that Beale had been fined a "substantial" amount, admitted his guilt in the matter and had foregone the opportunity to have his case heard by a disciplinary tribunal.

"This is an important step for Kurtley and the ARU feels an obligation to assist in ensuring, regardless of rugby, that he moves forward in a positive manner," ARU CEO Bill Pulver said.

"He knows he needs to be accountable for his actions, and he is determined to overcome the challenges he has faced in recent times.

"The unfortunate matter in South Africa was not an isolated incident for Kurtley.

"He understands it was unacceptable and, most critically, acknowledges he needs to make changes."

Rebels CEO, Steven Boland, said he hoped Beale would "embrace the assistance required to beat the issues that have been plaguing his life over the last period of time.

"We will fully support Kurtley through this process and hope that there is a time not far down the track when he can rejoin his teammates at the Rebels."

Beale is regarded as one of the best rugby players in Australia but has had a chequered history of off-field issues.

He is also still to attend mediation on April 17 over the alleged assault of a Brisbane bouncer last year.